A NEW sunscreen labelling system will be implemented this summer by the European Commission in an effort to alert consumers to what they should do to best protect themselves against UVB and UVA radiation.
The rise in the number of cases of skin cancer caused by exposure to the sun prompted Brussels last year to introduce stricter labelling rules for sun cream, banning the words “sunblock” and “100 per cent sun protection”, since these are false claims due to the fact that there can never be total protection against UV radiation.
New and standardised verbal descriptors (Low-Medium-High-Very High) will also be displayed alongside SPF indicators for guidance.
Ultraviolet rays from the sun are the leading cause of skin cancer with one in every three cancers diagnosed as the skin variety, the Skin Cancer Foundation says.
“Our message to consumers this summer is very clear: be sun-smart this summer and seek protection,” EU Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said in a statement.
She advised parents not to expose babies and children to direct sunlight as the risk of skin cancer is increased by UV radiation. There are two types of UV rays – UVA, which is responsible for tanning, and UVB, which leads to burning.
According to Cancer Research UK, the number of skin cancer cases in that country has more than doubled since the early 1980s with over 2,000 deaths from skin cancer each year.
“Most importantly, holidaymakers should be fully aware that sunscreen is only one of a number of measures that are necessary for effective protection against the sun,” EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva said.
“There is no such thing as 100 per cent protection from the sun or a safe tan.”
Sunscreen products offer protection against UVB and UVA radiation. UVB radiation can lead to sun-burn and skin cancer and UVA radiation leads to skin aging, impacts on the human immune system and it is also a cause for skin cancer.
However, the sun protection factor (SPF) found on sunscreen products only specify protection against UVB and it is unclear for the consumer whether the products also protect against UVA.
In light of this, and following a Commission recommendation in September 2006, a standardised UVA logo will be implemented on sunscreen bottles based on similar UVB testing standards. This way, consumers will be able to have a quantified knowledge regarding the UVA protection they are getting, which increases in parallel to the sun protection factor.
“The new industry initiative on proper sunscreen labelling is an example of responsible business behaviour. It shows that we do not always need legislation to focus on consumer and health concerns,” Gunter Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry in Brussels said yesterday.
It is estimated that three quarters of the major sunscreen manufactures will implement the Commissions’ recommendation at the start of the summer of 2008, however it is difficult to assess remaining stock from last year.
The Commission also advises consumers to take extra precautions and not rely on sunscreen as the only means for sun protection.
Hats and sunglasses also add protection and it is also important to avoid excessive sun exposure at peak hours (between 11am-3pm) and stay out of the sun whenever possible. Children are especially vulnerable to UV radiation, so it better for them not to be directly exposed to sunlight. It is also worthy to remember that 90 per cent of solar radiation can penetrate light clouds and that water reflections can enhance UV exposure.
(Additional information: Reuters)
